Manufacturing Engineer II

Wilson Tool Canada; White Bear Lake (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilson Tool Canada in Minnesota is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer II to optimize production processes and lead continuous improvement initiatives. You will mentor teams, drive Lean implementations, and support global operational standards to enhance safety, quality, and throughput.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Production, Quality, and Design, Kaizen execution, and hands-on problem solving for complex manufacturing challenges.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in an advanced high-mix manufacturing environment with an engineering degree.
• Strong understanding of Lean principles including Value Stream Maps, 5S, Kaizen.
• Hands-on problem-solver able to multi-task and maintain quality and timeliness.
• Excellent written and verbal communication across the organization.
• 2+ years implementing Lean methods (5S, Kaizen, Standard Work, Kanban) to drive improvements.
• 1+ year of project management leading cross-functional teams to meet timelines.

Responsibilities

• Applies engineering principles to production, supports design changes and improvements.
• Plans, schedules, coordinates detailed phases of projects as part of major initiatives.
• Performs independently on assignments with progress reviews with the manager.
• Designs and develops production processes, fixturing and equipment.
• Develops and optimizes work instructions and procedures.
• Drives continuous improvement in safety, quality, cost and delivery.
• Develops value stream maps, standard work sheets, routings and layouts.
• Utilizes Lean concepts to reduce waste and improve material flow.
• Conducts Kaizen events and trains line workers on Kanban and one-piece flow.
• Identifies root causes of manufacturability issues and communicates corrective actions.
• Interfaces with Production, Quality, Design, and suppliers to resolve issues.
• Communicates ideas effectively to all levels of the organization.
• Participates in design reviews and assesses manufacturing feasibility.
• May supervise other personnel.

Skills

Lean principles

Hands-on problem-solving

Strong communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Engineering degree (Manufacturing/Industrial/Mechanical)

Tools

SAP

MS Dynamics

SolidWorks

CMM programming

MS Office

Visual Basic

Job description

As a Manufacturing Engineer II at Wilson Tool

you will focus on optimizing processes to support safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role plays a key part in advancing operational excellence through process improvement, performance metrics, and enhanced product flow. While this is not a formal leadership position, it requires strong leadership qualities, including the ability to influence, mentor, and guide engineering and operations teams. You will help foster a culture of continuous improvement and contribute to the development and implementation of global operational excellence standards. This position is designed for individuals with the desire and potential to grow into future leadership roles, supporting long-term succession planning and organizational growth.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applies engineering principles in managing, supporting, and maintaining the production of new and existing products and implementation of design changes and product improvements.
• Plans, schedules, conducts, and coordinates detailed phases of the engineering project or work as part of a major project.
• Performs independently on most assignments with instructions as to the general results expected. Documents work and reviews progress and results with manager.
• Designs and develops production processes, fixturing and equipment.
• Develop and optimize work instructions and procedures.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts in the plant in terms of safety, quality, cost and delivery
• Develop value stream maps, standard work/process sheets, routings, capacity analysis, and line layouts to assist continuous improvement efforts
• Utilize Lean concepts to eliminate waste, reduce process variation, increase production throughout, and improve material flow and part availability
• Conduct and participate in Kaizen events and train line workers to drive Lean principles like Kanban and one-piece flow
• Identifies the root cause of manufacturability issues, implements corrective actions for those relating to design, and communicates findings to other team members or to those responsible for other types of issues.
• Interfaces with Production, Quality, design engineers, and/or supplier to resolve manufacturing, quality, equipment, product design, and/or component issues so as to meet the company’s objectives.
• Communicates well orally and in writing. Able to present ideas and proposals to all levels of the organization.
• Participates in design reviews. Communicates with applicable resources to assess manufacturing feasibility and potential issues of product changes and new products.
• May be assigned to supervise other personnel.
• Performs other assignments as directed

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in an advanced high-mix manufacturing environment and Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering Degree
• Must possess strong understanding of Lean principles/methods including Value Stream Maps, 5S, Kaizen, etc.
• Must be a “hands-on” problem-solver with the ability to multi-task on several projects and maintain high quality and timeliness of deliverables
• Must have strong communication skills (written and verbal) with the ability to effectively communicate with all areas of the organization
• 2+ years of experience implementing Lean methodologies and tools such as 5S, Kaizen workshops, Standard Work, and Kanban systems to drive process improvements
• 1+ year of experience with project management methodologies and leading cross-functional teams to achieve project objectives within established timelines

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years of experience as a manufacturing engineer
• Lean Bronze certification preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office skills, experience with SAP and/or MS Dynamics
• SolidWorks experience
• Visual Basics programming
• CMM programming

ATTRIBUTES

• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing work priorities and environments, demonstrating flexibility and willingness to take on different tasks as directed by the hiring manager.
• Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills, enabling clear and concise communication with team members and supervisors.
• Safety Consciousness: Commitment to adhering to safety protocols and procedures, ensuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Desire for Learning & Continuous Improvement: Eagerness to learn and develop new skills, with a willingness to participate in training programs and pursue continuous improvement opportunities within the role. Actively seek opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity within assigned tasks, suggesting ideas for process enhancements or workflow optimization.
• Reliability: Dependability in fulfilling assigned tasks and responsibilities consistently, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the team.
• Positive Attitude: A constructive and optimistic approach to challenges and tasks, fostering a supportive and encouraging work environment.
• Team Player: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, demonstrating respect, empathy, and cooperation in achieving shared goals.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Capacity to approach issues or obstacles with creativity and resourcefulness, seeking practical solutions to improve processes and outcomes.
• Professionalism: Conducting oneself with professionalism and integrity, adhering to ethical standards and company policies in all interactions and activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. In addition to continuous sitting and working on a computer, the role may involve continuous reaching forward between shoulder/waist, bending/twisting/rotating, and simple grasping and writing. Occasional exposure to an indoor manufacturing environment, chemicals, and/or fumes may occur. The ability to stand and walk frequently and occasionally lift and carry up to 25 lbs. is required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Inside; Office and some manufacturing floor.

SALARY

$110,000- $125,000 Annually DOQ

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND WORK AIDS

Working knowledge of manufacturing machines and inspection equipment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Wilson Tool is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.